Liverpool’s Champions League dreams ended in dramatic fashion as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout at Anfield. Despite a dominant performance, Liverpool fell 1-0 in the second leg, leveling the tie on aggregate but ultimately falling short in penalties (4-1).
The night belonged to PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose heroics denied Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones in the shootout. Ousmane Dembélé, who had earlier leveled the tie with a first-half strike, delivered when it mattered, while Désiré Doué struck the winning penalty, sending PSG into the quarter-finals.
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Missed Chances Cost Liverpool
For Liverpool, this was a case of déjà vu—a reversal of fortunes from their 1-0 first-leg win in Paris. Arne Slot’s side started with intent, creating numerous chances, but their failure to convert proved costly.
As early as the 4th minute, Mohamed Salah had a golden opportunity to give Liverpool the lead, thanks to a brilliant assist from Alexis Mac Allister. However, the Egyptian forward saw his effort deflected over the bar by Nuno Mendes. Minutes later, Salah found himself one-on-one with Donnarumma but curled his shot wide. These missed chances set the tone for what would be a frustrating night for Liverpool’s attack.
Dembélé Pounces to Punish Liverpool
While Liverpool dominated possession, PSG took advantage of their first real opportunity. In the 12th minute, Mendes delivered a pinpoint diagonal pass that cut through Liverpool’s midfield. Bradley Barcola latched onto it, forcing an own-goal attempt from Ibrahima Konaté, which rebounded to Dembélé, who tapped into an empty net.
The goal stunned Anfield, as PSG, who had struggled to score in the first leg, suddenly had the advantage. Liverpool responded with relentless pressure, forcing Donnarumma into several saves, but could not find the finishing touch.
Donnarumma Denies Liverpool Again
As Liverpool pushed forward, PSG’s defensive resilience and Donnarumma’s shot-stopping ability kept them at bay. Luis Díaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai all tested the Italian shot-stopper, but he stood firm. Liverpool’s best chance came through Jarell Quansah, who replaced Alexander-Arnold after an injury. His header struck the post, inches away from a dramatic winner.
The match went into extra time, where PSG regained control and nearly sealed the tie before the penalties. Alisson made a crucial save to deny Dembélé late on, forcing the match to a penalty shootout.
The Penalty Shootout Disaster
Liverpool fans, accustomed to historic European comebacks at Anfield, hoped for another fairytale moment. Instead, Donnarumma stole the show.
- Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos, Dembélé, and Désiré Doué all converted for PSG.
- Salah was Liverpool’s only successful penalty taker.
- Núñez and Curtis Jones both saw their efforts saved by Donnarumma.
With Doué scoring the decisive penalty, PSG sealed a dramatic 4-1 shootout win, sparking wild celebrations from Luis Enrique and his team.
What Went Wrong for Liverpool?
Liverpool played some of their best football in months, but their finishing let them down. Despite having more possession, more shots on goal, and more chances, they failed to capitalize when it mattered.
Key factors in their elimination:
- Poor finishing: Salah, Núñez, and Díaz all had clear chances but couldn’t convert.
- PSG’s clinical counterattack: Unlike Liverpool, PSG took their first real chance and made it count.
- Donnarumma’s brilliance: The Italian goalkeeper saved two crucial penalties and made multiple saves during the match.
Luis Enrique’s Bold Prediction
After the match, PSG’s coach Luis Enrique was ecstatic, stating: “Whoever wins tomorrow will go through to the final, I have no doubt.” His reaction to the victory showed the importance of knocking Liverpool out—a team considered one of the biggest threats to PSG’s title hopes.
Arne Slot, meanwhile, was gracious in defeat, calling the match “the best game of football I’ve ever been involved in.” However, he admitted that Liverpool’s wastefulness cost them a place in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League leaves them focusing solely on domestic competitions. With the Carabao Cup final approaching, Slot must regroup his squad and ensure they bounce back. Key concerns moving forward:
- Can Salah rediscover his form? His wasteful night in front of goal raised concerns.
- Will Alexander-Arnold recover in time? His injury could be a major setback.
- How will the team respond to this heartbreak? Liverpool must shake off this disappointment quickly.
